In first grade, we have been learning about insects using QR codes and our iPads. Students have been learning about the anatomy of insects, and how they work together. We watched the fable, "The Ant and the Grasshopper" and talked about how the grasshopper did not live Habit #2: Begin with the End in Mind.

Last Friday we held the final victory assembly of the year--and there was much to celebrate! The students learned that they far surpassed their school-wide WIG (wildly important goal) of moving up 1,800 reading levels. In fact, they moved up over 2,100 reading levels this year! That earns them a water party (for K-2nd) or a trip to the new Springville rec center pool (3rd-6th).

This year, Mrs. Finch's 6th grade students have been trying something a little different. We have started something called Pre-Teaching. The way it works is that the students will learn a new lesson for the first time in my class 2-3 days before they learn the same lesson in their regular class. I introduce the material, they form different ideas on the material, and within that time we try to solidify the concept as much as we can.